Democracy in the European Union Theory Practice and Reform 1st Edition by Alex J F Warleigh Lack ISBN 9781446240120 by Alex Warleigh 9780761972808, 9780761972815, 0761972803, 0761972811 instant download after payment.

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ISBN 13: 9781446240120
Author: Alex J F Warleigh Lack

`This is a most welcome contribution to current discourses on democratising the European polity. Warleigh′s thought-provoking analysis, by drawing from a rich spectrum of normative theorizing and empirical sources, produces sharp insights and a valuable reference tool for anyone interested in the governance and polity of Europe′ - Dimitris N Chryssochoou, University of Exeter

`Warleigh′s theoretically sophisticated and empirically rich inquisition of the nature and evolution of democratic reform in the European Union will be an important addition to the literature. This book is neither euro-sceptic nor EU-friendly. It is a challenging call to all interested parties - citizens and scholars - to take seriously the question of investing EU institutions and procedures with more than just a surface veneer of democracy′ - Jo Shaw, Professor of European Law, University of Manchester

This book comprehensively reviews one of the most salient, ongoing debates at the heart of the European Union (EU) today: democratic reform.

It provides a thorough evaluation of how democracy might best be defined in the transnational context of the EU and explores the key strategies that have been deployed to enhance the Union′s democracy from the Single European Act to the present day.

In considering why the strategies have been unsuccessful, Alex Warleigh contends that the EU can only democratize itself by abandoning federalism, and working towards a more participatory democracy based on flexibility and active European citizenship. The book therefore advances important new ways in which the EU′s `democratic deficit′ problems might be addressed more effectively than in the past.

Marking a significant contribution to this key on-going debate, Democracy in the European Union: Theory, Practice and Reform will be essential reading for all students, scholars and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the nature of the EU and the reform challenges it faces into the twenty-first century.

Democracy in the European Union Theory Practice and Reform 1st Table of contents:

Part I: Theoretical Perspectives on Democracy in a Multi-Level System

• Chapter 1: Defining Democracy Beyond the Nation-State
  • Traditional Models of Representative Democracy
  • Deliberative Democracy and its Application to the EU
  • Cosmopolitan Democracy and Transnational Governance
  • Multi-Level Governance and Democratic Accountability
• Chapter 2: The European Union as a Unique Political System
  • Sui Generis Entity: Neither State Nor International Organization
  • Intergovernmentalism vs. Supranationalism
  • Theories of European Integration and Their Democratic Implications
  • The Concept of "Input," "Output," and "Throughput" Legitimacy

Part II: Democratic Practice in EU Institutions and Decision-Making

• Chapter 3: The European Parliament: A Democratic Success Story?
  • Evolution of Powers and Electoral Procedures
  • EP as a Co-Legislator: Its Role in the Ordinary Legislative Procedure
  • Party System Development and Political Groupings
  • Challenges to EP's Legitimacy and Public Engagement
• Chapter 4: The Council of the European Union and the European Council: Intergovernmental Democracy
  • Composition and Decision-Making Processes
  • Accountability of National Governments at the EU Level
  • The Role of Informal Bargaining and Consensus Building
  • Critiques of Secrecy and Lack of Transparency
• Chapter 5: The European Commission: Executive, Bureaucracy, or Policy Entrepreneur?
  • Role in Initiating Legislation and Implementing Policies
  • Accountability to the European Parliament and Member States
  • The "Technocratic" Critique and Issues of Legitimacy
  • Collegiality and Expertise in Decision-Making
• Chapter 6: The European Court of Justice and the Rule of Law
  • Judicial Review and the Supremacy of EU Law
  • The ECJ's Role in Shaping European Integration
  • Judicial Activism and Democratic Legitimacy

Part III: Assessing the Democratic Deficit and Citizen Engagement

• Chapter 7: The EU's "Democratic Deficit" in Practice
  • The Problem of Low Voter Turnout in European Elections
  • Lack of a Unified European Public Sphere
  • Distance Between Citizens and EU Institutions
  • Perceptions of Elitism and Unaccountability
• Chapter 8: Citizenship, Participation, and Civil Society
  • European Citizenship: Rights and Realities
  • The European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) and Other Participatory Mechanisms
  • The Role of Civil Society Organizations and Lobbying
  • Connecting National and European Debates
• Chapter 9: Transparency and Accountability
  • Access to Documents and Decision-Making
  • The Role of the European Ombudsman
  • Accountability Mechanisms for EU Agencies and Bodies
  • Challenges in Ensuring Openness and Scrutiny

Part IV: Pathways to Reform and Future Challenges

• Chapter 10: Institutional Reforms for a More Democratic EU
  • Strengthening the European Parliament's Powers (e.g., full right of initiative)
  • Reforming the Council and European Council (e.g., public deliberation)
  • Direct Election of the Commission President
  • The Role of Constitutional Debates and Treaty Changes
• Chapter 11: Fostering European Identity and Public Sphere
  • Media and Communication Strategies
  • Education and European Awareness
  • Transnational Political Parties and Social Movements
  • Overcoming National Divides in European Debates
• Chapter 12: New Democratic Challenges in the 21st Century
  • The Rise of Populism and Euroscepticism
  • The Impact of Crises (Economic, Migration, Pandemic) on Trust and Legitimacy
  • Digital Democracy and E-Participation
  • Geopolitical Shifts and the EU's Role in the World

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Tags: Alex J F Warleigh Lack, Democracy, European